Penstemon harbourii

(Harbour’s Beardtongue)

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Penstemon harbourii, Blue Lakes Pass, Ouray Co. 5491

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Penstemon harbourii, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 0057

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Penstemon harbourii, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 0081

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Penstemon harbourii, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 9936

Scientific Name Penstemon harbourii USDA PLANTS Symbol PEHA10
Common Name Harbour's Beardtongue ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 33700
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain) formerly Scrophulariaceae SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Alpine (10,500 to 13800 ft). Open alpine scree and talus slopes.
Plant: Creeping, mat-forming perennial, leafy stems up to 6 inches long.
Leaves: Lower stem leaves spatulate to oblanceolate, becoming ovate to lanceolate above, usually light green or grayish with small hairs on surface, 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long.
Inflorescence: Leafy, short, crowded thyrse 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long of a few light purple flowers with 5 lobes; blossoms hairy outside and near the lips of the lower three lobes.
Bloom Period: July and August.
References: "A Guide To Rocky Mountain Plants" by Roger L. Williams, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and American Southwest.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native
Endemic

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County